Writers Life | Just Keep Writing

Just keep swimming.  Just keep swimming, swimming, swimming. What do we do? We swim, swim.  Dory, from Finding Nemo Lately, I’ve found it hard to write. I think about the novels I have in progress and struggle to actually get to my desk and work on them. There’s been a lot going on in our family–a …

Writer’s Inspiration | Exploring the Past

A few weeks ago I was presented with the opportunity to take my daughter to the World Cross Country Championships in Bathurst, NSW. I might’ve grumbled at the time (my other daughter was returning from India that same day and I wanted to know All The Things!) but I went, because I realised this was …

Author Interview | Introducing J.J. Fischer

Today I’m interviewing Australian author J.J. Fischer (Jasmine). I read her Young Adult fantasy, Calor, last year, and was impressed … particularly as I’ve often said I’m not a fan of fantasy. Welcome, Jasmine! Fast Five (plus four) We started by asking Jasmine to answer some quick-fire questions on all the big issues in life …

Book Review | Down by the Water by Jo-Anne Berthelsen

Today, Dienece is reviewing Down by the Water, an Australian historical fiction novel by Aussie author Jo-Anne Berthelsen. Book  Description In 1909, Meg Porter heads to Brisbane to study art, but a family tragedy changes everything. Heartbroken, she decides to give up her art classes and accept a marriage proposal. After a miscarriage, Meg embarks on …

#Throwback Thursday | Introducing Hannah Currie

Today I’m resharing an interview with Australian author Hannah Currie. Hannah’s fifth novel, the second book in her Crown of Promise series, will release later this year. Introducing Hannah Currie Where are you from? (Or where do you live?) Brisbane, Australia. Born, raised, and still living here. If you had an unlimited travel budget, which …

Author Interview | Introducing Dienece Darling

Today we’re introducing a new blogger to Australasian Christian Writers: Dienece Darling. Welcome, Dienece! Fast Five Kiwis or koalas? Koalas. They bring back special, childhood memories of going to the local sanctuary in Hervey Bay, Queensland with my family. Mangoes or kiwifruit? Mango lassi! My sister’s mother-in-law grew up in Pakistan, and she got me …

Friday Fiction | Wish Me Gone

For Friday Fiction I am reviewing Wish Me Gone by D.J. Blackmore “Up close, the heritage listed house is nothing but a beautiful disaster, but while there are acres of orange trees to lose herself amongst, Isabella realises there’s no escaping the new school. But when intolerance towards Damaska and her family—whom Isabella’s family has …

Fiction Friday | The Upwelling by Lystra Rose

When Kirra turned sixteen, the strange dreams began, the dreams that come true. Her counsellor calls them coincidences, but Kirra isn’t so sure … especially when her latest dream is about the world being destroyed. Soon. Narn’s life should be simple. He’ll take over his father’s role as dolphin caller. He’ll be joined with Tarni. …

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Our Writing

Recently, I did a workshop with Annie Gicchuru from Uplifting Studios on how to write a diversity, equity, and inclusion statement. Annie encouraged us to write our statements, even if we don’t get it all right at once. Even if we make mistakes. She encouraged us to write, review, keep learning, keep adapting. It’s important …

Friday Fiction | Writing A Series

I’ll forever be grateful to Narelle Atkins for talking at an Omega conference in 2015 about the value of writing in a series. When I heard this, I’d just finished writing my third historical (Winning Miss Winthrop), and was primed to write a sequel to this as a NaNoWriMo project in November that year. Little …